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Service Supplier of the Year - Drive and Survive

Date:
24 January 2007

Drive & Survive

Perhaps the biggest upset of the Awards in 2007 is the winner of the Service Supplier of the year.

In a monumental David and Goliath battle against huge organisations such as the AA, RAC and leasing behemoths like Lex, driver training firm Drive and Survive has romped off with the prestigious prize, which is a testament and credit to the relatively small player's dedicated and loyal customer base. Not only has the firm's customers been delighted by the unprecedented levels of service received, they've been prepared to show their appreciation by using their vote, and boy did they vote.

No other firm in its category came close to Drive and Survive's cultish following.

Delighted with the win, MD, Steve Johnson explained how the award is the perfect accolade for what was a challenging year.

"Last year was a period of consolidation following the IAM [formerly known as the Institute of Advanced Motorists] purchase. There was some degree of uncertainty and it took a time for the dust to settle," said Johnson pointing towards the already existing IAM fleet brand that on the surface seemed to compete with Drive and Survive.

"In reality we offer very a different product and despite the change of ownership we didn't lose a customer.

"Now under IAM we can benefit and invest in developing new products and go from strength to strength."

Johnson believes his firm's success can be attributed to the homegrown range of products that can be tailored to the customer.

Staff committed solely to delivering the highest possible level of service and communication between is business and client were also essential to pocketing the award.

"It's not rocket science", says Johnson, "we simply offer an innovative product, a personal and efficient service that surpasses a customer's expectation.

"Many times we offer the client something they didn't even know they needed."

Triumphant success in our Awards aside, Johnson also sheepishly admitted that Drive and Survive is so successful at what it does he regularly receives fan mail from not only staff trained, but from their bosses too. This year's industry pin-up boy? You better believe it.

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